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Help on Optimizing Dedicated PC as Music Server



Just finished assembling a PC to be used as a dedicated music server with a minimalist approach. Parts include:

intel i7 4470k 3.5Ghz, MSI Z87-G45 motherboard with(build-in S/pdif output), 2 x 4GB DDR Corsair RAM, Antec Mid tower, 120GB SSD HD for OS, 3TB HD for music storage, Corsair CX500 PS.

Window 7 Pro service pack 1, 64 bit. Have not updated after fresh OS installation. Do I need to?
JRiver ver.19. Gizmo & JRiver for Android Tablet

Here are my concerns:

- should i do/or need to do a Windows update
- should I use JPlay with JRiver
- are there settings that I need to change/perform on the PC to make the most for audio
- any "tweaks" that can be done to lower noise, vibration,...etc to improve performance/SQ
- do I need a sound card

My DAC is a the vulnerable Mark Levinson 360, capable to (24/96kHz). For now I plan to connect directly to motherboard output S/pdif. Will entertain USB/S/pdif converter at a later time.

Thank you.
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tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Interesting product Kijanki. I may have to give it try right after my USB converter. Have you used this before?
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Tboooe, No, my Benchmark DAC1 has built in reclocker (asynchronous rate converter). External reclocker, on the other hand, allows to use any DAC.

Jitter shows as noise proportional to level of the sound and undetectable without music. There is nothing else that affect DAC's sound, assuming that playback program doesn't modify original file (like upsampling).
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
Doesn't this device work like a regular asynch USB-to-SPDIF converter? If so, I have an Audiophilleo and there was a definte (and BIG) improvement in sound when I had it sourced from a laptop with USB HDD with music vs. my current fanless server with PPA USB card, linear power supply, etc.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
I don't think so - it is just converter. In addition to eliminating jitter coming from computer it also eliminates jitter created by the cable. Reclocker should be placed in very close proximity to DAC and connected to DAC by very short (<1ft) coax to avoid jitter creation in cable between reclocker and the DAC.

My DAC and my source (Airport Express) are both plugged into power conditioner filtered outputs to avoid jitter creation by the noise in system.
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